Words That Build a Legacy

A charitable bequest is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to support the Acton Institute. By including a provision in your will or trust, you can designate a percentage, specific amount, asset, or the remainder of your estate to Acton—making a lasting impact without affecting your current financial resources. In addition to leaving a legacy that advances faith and freedom, a bequest may also offer valuable estate tax benefits and reduce the financial burden on your heirs.

As with any charitable decision, we encourage you to consult your attorney or financial advisor to ensure your gift aligns with your broader financial goals.

Bequests

You can include a gift to the Acton Institute in your will or trust by inserting a provision that contains our name and federal tax ID.

Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty
98 E Fulton St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Tax ID: 38-2926822

Sample Bequest Language

“I give, devise, and bequeath to the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty, a nonprofit corporation located in Grand Rapids, MI, Tax ID # 38-2926822, or its successor organization (% of my estate/ item/asset/amount or residual amount) to be used (choose one of the following):

  • for its general support and charitable purposes without restriction.
  • for (designated purpose). If at any time it becomes impossible or impractical for my gift to be used for the above designated purpose, the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty shall use my gift for a purpose and in a manner that it determines most closely meets the above designated purpose.”

Beneficiary Designations

You can designate the Acton Institute as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, donor advised fund, life insurance policy, charitable gift annuity, charitable trust, or other financial account. Simply notify your account’s custodian and request to update your beneficiary designation. This is typically done via a quick, free and simple form that your custodian can provide.

To learn more about legacy giving and other ways you can make a gift in your estate plans, please contact Kevin Augustyn at legacy@acton.org.

A bequest is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to support the Acton Institute. With the help of your attorney or financial advisor, you can include language in your will or trust that designates a gift to Acton—whether it’s a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset.

If Acton is already part of your will or trust, we encourage you to let us know by filling out the Letter of Intent (LINK) and sending it to legacy@acton.org. Sharing your plans with us ensures your intentions are honored, and allows us to recognize your generosity appropriately. We understand that circumstances may change, and your plans can always be updated.

Creating a will is an important step in ensuring your values and priorities are reflected in your estate plans. If you haven’t yet created one, the Acton Institute offers a free service to make your own, legally-binding will through MyLegacyWill and MyCatholicWill

There are several ways to include Acton in your estate plans:

  • Designate a specific dollar amount or asset
  • Leave a percentage of your estate
  • Gift from the remainder or residue of your estate
  • Name Acton Institute as a beneficiary of retirement accounts or life insurance

For more information or sample language, please contact our team—we’re happy to assist you.